@soix yes, I’m currently using the GCC-100 in integrated amplifier fashion. The subwoofer is attached to the Aux outs on it as well.
-Ed
Class D, "Control (Variable Gain)," Amplifier versus Class A/B Separates?
Hello, all!
I am currently running a quite old PS Audio GCC-100 in my chain. It is a variable gain, class-D solid state power amplifier with balanced stereo inputs (functionally a balanced integrated amplifier). I recently purchased and am quite enjoying a pair of KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers, but have been hearing from numerous people that they may sound even better with Class-A or Class-A/B amplification. I am curious what benefits, if any, I might get from making a switch. I am currently considering selling the GCC-100 and replacing it with a Schiit Kara preamplifier combined with a pair of Outlaw 2220 monoblocks. Any and all advice about what I might expect from such a swap would be greatly appreciated! And in case it matters, source is a Denafrips Ares II R-2R DAC playing lossless Apple Music.
-Ed
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- 27 posts total
@eddnog (good username!) that advice from @ghdprentice as applied to amplifier Class (D vs. A/AB) is worth heeding. To this day some folks feel dismissive about Class D / switching amps and assume by default A/AB are superior; there is no sound support (pun!) for this generalization. Selling something you like to make a newer but perhaps lateral move is not without risks. If you’re so satisfied as you suggest, perhaps also try some different source files than what Apple offers - if you vary the masters you access (I suppose many streaming services use the same edition(s)), you might find vocals effects you like more.
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@benanders @soix @mashif @tweak1 @ghdprentice So at the end, I went a different route and accidentally got what I wanted. I was using some inexpensive, 28" stands with glass bases and platforms from Amazon, and I upgraded to the KEF S2 bolt-on, color-matched stands for my LS50 Metas, filled them with sand, and discovered that the change in stands resulted in a more full-bodied sound, bringing vocals more forward, which is exactly what I wanted (even though that was not specifically done looking for that result, I just wanted something less likely to get broken or knocked over by my 4- and 6-year old sons!). Since it sounds the way I want now, I went ahead and ordered a new/upgraded remote control from PS Audio too, since my original one that came with the GCC-100 is quite worn out. Cheers to all and enjoy the music! -Ed |
@tweak1 Yes, thanks! I am running upgraded power cords for all three components (the Ares II DAC, the GCC-100, and the SVS SB-3000), a passive filtering power strip, and two iFi AC iPurifiers on the strip, one at the end where the cord comes in and a second one between the digital and analog device connections. Speaker cables are SKW, as are the RCA interconnects to the subwoofer. iFi Mercury 3.0 USB cable with iFi iPurifier3 at the DAC end and an iFi iSilencer on the source end. -Ed |
- 27 posts total